There are no obvious prerequisites to enjoy a tandem flight, except for health conditions that may limit the activity. This exciting aerial sport is designed to be accessible to everyone, without the need for previous experience. With the guidance of a qualified instructor, you will be ready to take flight and enjoy a unique adventure.
It is the phenomenon of time perception. During a two-seater flight, adrenaline and excitement make time pass more quickly for the passengers and make the flight seem shorter than planned.
As a general rule, people do not experience a sensation of vertigo, even if they do suffer from it. The thing is that when paragliding, we lack spatial references that can cause this sensation of vertigo. We have friends who have a hard time climbing a ladder, but they have no problem flying.
Castejón de Sos is a privileged area for free flight.
We didn't jump over any cliffs!
It is common for passengers to experience nervousness, especially during the moments before and after takeoff. However, this tension quickly dissipates, as a sense of calm sets in once we are in flight.
Unlike takeoff, landing involves going from flying to running, but it is smooth because we use the entire surface of the paraglider to brake as we move horizontally, so there is no vertical fall.
Today's flying chairs are so comfortable that some pilots, when not flying, use them in their garden to relax, in hammock mode.
No.
It is not common, but if you tend to get dizzy, whether in a car or on a boat, we recommend taking a Biodramina an hour before the flight.
Paragliding is a very simple flying device, and simplicity goes hand in hand with safety.
The passenger sits in front and the pilot sits behind, for several reasons, but above all for the passenger it is more comfortable and has a greater field of vision and can move more freely, but the most important is that for the pilot he has greater control of the paraglider by flying behind.
Of course, to work with a two-seater you have to like it, but part of the magic is broken for us when we have responsibilities, obligations and schedules. It is not the same feeling as at the beginning, but we are comforted by the demonstrations of joy and pleasure of our passengers.
Of course.
Throughout the flight, including takeoff, we are connected by "separators" or joints. These are long enough so that we can run at the same time without tripping over each other.
Yes, for both the pilot and the passenger, because there is no need to run, just let yourself slide towards the maximum slope.
It may be common for flights we make from the ski resort and landing in the valley, where we will experience gradients of more than 1000m, that there is no snow on landing.
Contrary to what most people believe, it is not when we are highest, but quite the opposite.
You do not need any previous experience in paragliding or any similar aerial sport, but we do require that you have an intermediate level of skiing, that is, that you can comfortably ski parallel on red slopes, without looking or paying attention to your skis.
The skis take precedence over the wing, and the rider dissipates the accumulated energy with a determined skid, and if we simultaneously apply the brakes of the mini wing, it is even better. It can also trace a diagonal line and lose speed more progressively.
If you don't know how to ski, NO, having a confirmed level of red slope will help your progress.
No, Speedriding equipment is specific to the activity. The reduced take-off speed and greater glide than mini wings will cause it to fly away easily, with the consequent risk of overflying facilities and runways.
No.
No. Its design is intended for gliding, and despite having a lower glide than a paraglider and being able to adjust it to the minimum, we would only fly with slopes of 14º. Also, due to its larger surface area, the take-off speed is at a lower speed than with Speedriding equipment.
No. Although the modalities complement each other, they are different.
The skiing level corresponds to a “C” (corresponding to basic parallel). We must have the ability to descend red slopes without complexes, start guided turns, speed control on slopes with a slope.
Yes, you can practice in designated areas, provided you have passed your course at the corresponding level.
Depending on the slope and characteristics of the terrain, different degrees of autonomy are achieved. Complete autonomy is achieved when the 2 courses have been completed, initiation and progression. This normally takes 2 seasons. However, the school keeps a record of each student's progress, and will issue a certificate with their level so that they can practice in other places.
Yes, in fact his final philosophy is to do it off-piste, in the mountains.
No, access to the designated areas is always done on skis.
Yes, there is no need to change anything. However, when you go off-piste, equipment designed for this makes things easier. For example, AllMountain skis would be more than enough.
On gentle slopes the skier always goes faster.
Knowing the mechanics of flight greatly benefits the final stages of the beginner's course, where small glides are made, and contributes decisively to the progression course, since here flights with greater gradients are made.
Skiing is clearly more physical, you have to take into account that the mini wing always generates a more or less important amount of lift, and the turns are not only supported by the skis, but also by the aerodynamic controls. However, the smaller the mini wing, the more physical action is required on our part.
If this is indeed the philosophy of Speedriding, it is skiing supported by the mini wing. We can also adjust the glide angle with the trimmers.
Yes, but skiing technique is crucial and you must ensure that you do not reach take-off speed.
You don't need previous experience, we'll start from scratch, we'll provide the material, you'll need the desire!
It is the phenomenon of time perception. During a two-seater flight, adrenaline and excitement make time pass more quickly for the passengers and make the flight seem shorter than planned.
As a general rule, people do not experience a sensation of vertigo, even if they do suffer from it. The thing is that when paragliding, we lack spatial references that can cause this sensation of vertigo. We have friends who have a hard time climbing a ladder, but they have no problem flying.
Castejón de Sos is a privileged area for free flight.
We didn't jump over any cliffs!
The future pilot is directed by radio from the beginning, there is a monitor during takeoff and another during landing, and at all times he is controlled and directed depending on the flights he carries out.
We have been preparing for this moment, with theoretical and practical classes. We are going to put into practice everything we have learned, and it is rather a relief, because the school and the panicked climb with the paraglider on our shoulders are over. Everything happens in a controlled environment with instructors at takeoff and landing.
Just like during takeoff, landing is smooth, as we use the entire surface of the paraglider to brake. It is true that if there is no wind during landing, there is always a little residual speed, but it does not usually exceed 5 km/h.
The chairs we use today for flying are so comfortable that I know a pilot who, when he is not flying, has one in his garden to relax in, like a hammock. You can fly for many hours without feeling uncomfortable.
Absolutely NOT! The flight sites must meet minimum requirements regarding take-off orientation, the prevailing wind, its direction and intensity, suitable terrain for the take-off run, being able to extend the paraglider without getting tangled, having a landing within the paraglider's gliding capacity, not being within any place restricted for the activity. Also, if we have recently finished the course, it is advisable to fly in the recognised sites and never alone.
It is not common for this to happen, the same thing happens when driving, if we drive we do not get dizzy but if we are driven we have a much greater chance. The vast majority do not get dizzy, but there are always people who are more sensitive than others, it is advisable not to drink or eat excessively before flying, and to rest if you are dizzy from the car ride.
Yes, there are various types of insurance. The minimum covers you for the duration of the course, then there are quarterly, half-yearly and annual types. All insurance policies always expire on December 31, regardless of the date of contracting.
Paragliding is one of the simplest flying devices, and simplicity goes hand in hand with safety. Accidents, which do occur, are all due to human error: underestimating the flight conditions, flying in conditions not suited to the pilot's level of piloting, overconfidence, flying with paragliders not suited to our level of piloting. Learning in an official school reduces the risk (in Spain it is not compulsory to take a course to fly a paraglider!). With our two-seaters we fly for the pleasure of the passenger, but we are the first to cancel the flight if it does not meet minimum safety margins (always depending on the weather conditions).
Paragliders are certified by an international body, and the first thing they pass is the structure test. If the paraglider manufacturer says that the maximum load is 105 kg, in the structure test they subject it to almost 10 times the maximum weight. And if it doesn't break, they move on to other types of tests related to flight quality (there are manufacturers that take the structure test to the limit, and paragliders break between 1500 kg of force... and some more). In any case, you have to choose a paraglider for the weight it is going to carry, although they have a weight range of about 20 kg.
Of course, we will have fresher concepts and make better use of our time,
Contrary to what most people believe, it is not when we are highest, but quite the opposite.
If you have previously taken a Speedriding or Paragliding course, you are ready!
The speed difference between a paraglider and a speedflying miniglider can range from 7km/h to 30km/h... with even more manoeuvres. A speedflying miniglider is faster than a paraglider and more agile.
In general,
Compared to paragliding, we go at a higher speed, which means that the risk margin is smaller.
No.
The school's methodology and dedication to the four flight modalities will ensure that you do not miss flights during the contracted week.
As we have explained previously, the risk margin is lower than with a classic paraglider.
No. And it can be very dangerous.
Of course.
It may be common for flights we make from the ski resort and landing in the valley, where we will experience gradients of more than 1000m, that there is no snow on landing.
Contrary to what most people believe, it is not when we are highest, but quite the opposite.